Parachute canopy insert

ABSTRACT

Inserts for parachutes, for example modified cruciform parachutes, provide improved structural strength and reduced inflation times. An exemplary insert comprises a high-strength fabric coupled to center panels at a set of discrete points. The insert at least partially blocks airflow between the center panels, allowing the parachute canopy to inflate more rapidly. Via use of an insert, other components of a parachute, such as center panels, may be made of lighter, lower strength, and/or less expensive material without compromising the load-carrying capacity or reliability of the parachute.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/803,804 filed onJul. 20, 2015 and entitled “PARACHUTE CANOPY INSERT”. The entirecontents of the foregoing application are hereby incorporated byreference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to parachutes, and more particularly toreinforcing components utilized in connection with parachutes.

BACKGROUND

Parachutes are an integral component of systems used to deliver cargo orloads aerially to remote or inaccessible locations. To deliver a loadaerially, the load is furnished with a parachute delivery system andtransported to the delivery site by aircraft. Upon reaching the deliverysite, the load is released, ejected or dropped from the aircraft.Shortly after release, a parachute is deployed, which is typicallyattached to the load by suspension lines and other rigging. The deployedparachute decelerates the descending load to a velocity at which theload may land on the ground or water without damage.

Prior parachutes, including prior cruciform-type parachutes, havesuffered from various deficiencies, such as excessive manufacturingexpense, aerodynamic (i.e., structural) inefficiency, excessive delaysin inflation, structural weaknesses, and/or the like. Therefore,improved parachutes, including inserts and add-ons thereto, and relatedmethods of construction and use remain desirable.

SUMMARY

In an exemplary embodiment, a modified cruciform parachute comprisesfour center panels. Each center panel is coupled to at least two othercenter panels at a set of discrete points, and adjacent points in theset of discrete points have a gap permitting airflow therebetween. Themodified cruciform parachute further comprises an insert coupled to thefour center panels at a plurality of points in the set of discretepoints. When the modified cruciform parachute is inflated, the insert atleast partially blocks airflow through a plurality of the gaps.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method for reinforcing a parachutecomprises forming a modified cruciform parachute having four centerpanels. Each center panel is coupled to at least two other center panelsat a set of discrete points, and adjacent points in the set of discretepoints have a gap permitting airflow therebetween. The method furthercomprises coupling an insert to the four center panels at a plurality ofpoints in the set of discrete points. When the parachute is inflated,the insert at least partially blocks airflow through a plurality of thegaps.

In another exemplary embodiment, an insert for a cruciform parachutecomprises a first portion comprising a first strip of material and asecond, parallel strip of material. The first strip and the second stripat least partially overlap one another and are removably coupledtogether via stitching. The insert further comprises a second portioncomprising a third strip of material and a fourth, parallel strip ofmaterial. The third strip and the fourth strip at least partiallyoverlap one another and are removably coupled together via stitching.The first portion and the second portion are disposed crosswise of oneanother and removably coupled to one another, and the portion of theinsert where the first portion and the second portion overlap oneanother is configured to be disposed at the apex of the cruciformparachute.

The contents of this summary section are provided only as a simplifiedintroduction to the disclosure, and are not intended to be used to limitthe scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the following description, appended claims, andaccompanying drawings:

FIG. 1A illustrates a relationship between a parachute and an insert inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 1B illustrates a parachute configured with an insert in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2A illustrates exemplary components of a modified cruciformparachute in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2B illustrates components of a parachute coupled together atdiscrete points in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2C illustrates gaps between components of a parachute coupledtogether at discrete points in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 2D, 2E, and 2F illustrate an insert coupled to a parachute inaccordance with various exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, and 3F illustrate configurations of an insertin accordance with various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates an insert coupled to an inflated modified cruciformparachute in accordance with various exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate configurations of an insert inaccordance with various exemplary embodiments;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an insert coupled to a parachute inaccordance with various exemplary embodiments; and

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate an insert coupled to a parachute inaccordance with various exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is of various exemplary embodiments only, andis not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration ofthe present disclosure in any way. Rather, the following description isintended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing variousembodiments including the best mode. As will become apparent, variouschanges may be made in the function and arrangement of the elementsdescribed in these embodiments without departing from the scope of theappended claims.

For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques for parachuteconstruction, configuration, reinforcement, deployment, recovery,reefing, disreefing, and/or the like may not be described in detailherein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in various figurescontained herein are intended to represent exemplary functionalrelationships and/or physical couplings between various elements. Itshould be noted that many alternative or additional functionalrelationships or physical connections may be present in a practicalinsert or parachute configured with the same.

When portions of a parachute (for example, center panels of a cruciformparachute) are coupled together at discrete points, gaps may arisebetween the coupling points. The gaps allow air to pass therethroughduring inflation of the parachute, delaying full inflation. When theparachute is fully inflated, the total gap area is typically only asmall percentage of the canopy area, so the airflow therethrough may beof little concern. However, at the onset of parachute inflation, thetotal gap area, particularly near the apex/crown of the parachute, canbe a much larger percentage of the canopy area (for example, near theapex/crown of the parachute, the gap area may be up to about 95% of thetotal apex/crown area; at the periphery of the parachute canopy, the gaparea is typically much smaller and may be as small as about 1% of thetotal area). As the parachute canopy fills with air, the gaps usuallyreduce in size—leading to somewhat of a “catch-22” situation: if thegaps are open, air blockage in the parachute canopy can be poor—but airblockage in the parachute canopy serves to at least partially close thegaps. Of course, given sufficient deployment time, the parachute canopyeventually inflates and the gaps eventually at least partially close.However, inflation delays arising from the gaps are of concern,particularly in low altitude deployments where a delay of even afraction of a second can be problematic.

Additionally, because the crown area of a circular parachute canopy iscloser to perpendicular to the airflow than other portions of theparachute canopy, that area is exposed to higher stresses than otherportions of the canopy, particularly during inflation. To accommodatesuch higher stresses, parachutes often utilize higher-strength materialsand/or additional reinforcements in the crown area than are used in theremainder of the parachute canopy. However, this approach often addssignificant expense and can also add significant weight to the overallparachute.

These and other deficiencies of prior parachutes may be addressed viaapplication of principles of the present disclosure. By utilizing aninsert as described herein, parachute inflation times may be reducedbecause the insert at least partially blocks air leakage betweendiscrete coupling points in the canopy crown. Additionally, by utilizingan insert as described herein, parachute canopies may be strengthened inhigh-stress areas, reducing the need for large panels of higher-strengthmaterials and/or large-scale reinforcements, and thus reducing parachuteexpense and weight. Parachute failure rates at high dynamic pressuresmay be reduced. Construction costs may be reduced. Parachuteconstruction may be simplified.

Additional details regarding cruciform parachutes may be found in U.S.Pat. Nos. 7,261,258 and 8,851,426 to Fox, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

With reference now to FIG. 1A, in various exemplary embodiments, aparachute 100 may be coupled to an insert 150. Insert 150 may bedisposed on the interior of the canopy of parachute 100; alternatively,insert 150 may be disposed on the exterior of the canopy of parachute100. Insert 150 may be removably coupled to parachute 100;alternatively, insert 150 may be permanently affixed to parachute 100.Moreover, insert 150 may be added-on to an existing parachute 100.Parachute 100 may be any circular-style parachute, for example a flatcircular parachute, a cruciform parachute, a modified cruciformparachute, a circular parachute configured as a modular design (forexample, a parachute configured with two semi-circular canopy modules, aset of “pie slice” shaped canopy modules, etc.), and/or the like. Insert150 is configured to modify the geometric porosity of parachute 100;stated another way, insert 150 is configured to at least partially blockairflow through the canopy of parachute 100, for example by at leastpartially blocking gaps therein. Additionally, insert 150 may improvethe strength, durability, and/or repairability of parachute 100, forexample by providing structural reinforcement and/or facilitatingsimplified removal and replacement of parachute 100 modules.

In particular, principles of the present disclosure contemplate use ofinsert 150 with parachutes configured as modular designs. Modulardesigns make parachute fabrication easier. Modular designs also makeparachute maintenance easier: when a parachute module is damaged, thatmodule may be removed and sent for repairs, and a replacement module maybe installed so that the parachute may quickly be returned to service.

Turning now to FIG. 1B, in various exemplary embodiments, a parachute100 may be configured with an insert 150 when parachute 100 isoriginally constructed. In these exemplary embodiments, other componentsof parachute 100 (for example seams, webbing, gores, suspension lines,reefing components, and/or the like) may be sized and/or configured toaccommodate the presence of (and/or benefit from the inclusion of)insert 150. For example, a cruciform parachute having an insert 150 mayutilize center panels made of the same material as the side panels,rather than a heavier, stronger, and/or more expensive material for thecenter panels, as insert 150 may provide a suitable level of structuralreinforcement to parachute 100 such that use of the heavier, stronger,and/or more expensive material for the center panels is unnecessary.

Typical prior simple cruciform (or cross-style) parachute canopiescomprised a center panel and side panels. While the center panel istypically square, the width to length ratio of the side panels may vary,depending on the desires of the parachute designer. Both the centerpanel and the side panels may be fabricated from multiple sub-panels andeach panel may have reinforcements and venting orifices distributedwithin it. Additionally, the panels may be closely joined, essentiallyforming a single-piece parachute canopy, or they may be joined only atdiscrete points, allowing venting between the panels.

Turning now to FIG. 2A, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, amodified cruciform parachute 200 comprises a plurality of center panels210, a plurality of side panels 230, and a plurality of corner panels240. Center panel(s) 210, side panels 230, and corner panels 240 arecoupled together to form a parachute canopy. Modified cruciformparachute 200 may also comprise a plurality of shoulder panels 220.

Modified cruciform parachute 200 may be configured to be compatible foruse with an inlet chute reefing device, for example as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 8,096,509 to Fox, the contents of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

In various exemplary embodiments, center panel 210 comprises a suitablematerial, for example a textile and/or film, such as nylon, mylar(biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate), and/or the like. Centerpanel 210 may be square, rectilinear, pentagonal, hexagonal, and/or thelike, as desired. Center panel 210 may be monolithic; alternatively,center panel 210 may be comprised of sub-panels. Stated another way,center panel 210 may be comprised of multiple center panels 210. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, in an exemplary embodiment, thecenter portion of the parachute canopy comprises four center panels 210.Center panels 210 may be joined at discrete points 260. These combinedpanels may be considered to be a center panel 210. When multiple centerpanels 210 are utilized in modified cruciform parachute 200, venting maybe provided therein and/or therebetween. Center panels 210 may be joinedto one another and/or to other components of modified cruciformparachute 200 via any suitable means, for example via stitching, taping,lacing, gluing, and/or the like.

In various exemplary embodiments, center panel 210 may be similarlysized and/or identical to other panels in modified cruciform parachute200, for example side panel 230. In this manner, manufacturing costs maybe reduced, and assembly and/or repair of modified cruciform parachute200 may be simplified, because components may be interchangeable.

In an exemplary embodiment, modified cruciform parachute 200 comprisesfour center panels 210. In another exemplary embodiment, modifiedcruciform parachute 200 comprises nine center panels 210. In yet anotherexemplary embodiment, modified cruciform parachute 200 comprises sixteencenter panels 210. Any suitable number and/or size of center panels 210may be utilized, for example in order to achieve a desired configurationof modified cruciform parachute 200.

In various exemplary embodiments, modified cruciform parachute 200comprises a plurality of side panels 230. Side panel 230 comprises asuitable material, for example a textile and/or film, such as nylon,mylar, and/or the like. In modified cruciform parachute 200, side panel230 may comprise a similar material to other panels, for example centerpanel 210; moreover, side panel 230 may comprise different materialsthan other panels, for example in order to achieve a desired strength,flexibility, and/or the like. Side panel 230 may be square, rectilinear,trapezoidal, and/or the like, as desired. Side panel 230 may bemonolithic; alternatively, side panel 230 may be comprised ofsub-panels. Stated another way, side panel 230 may be comprised ofmultiple side panels 230. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, in anexemplary embodiment, each side portion of the parachute canopycomprises two square side panels 230. These combined panels may beconsidered to be a rectangular side panel 230. When multiple side panels230 are utilized in modified cruciform parachute 200, venting may beprovided therein and/or therebetween. Side panels 230 may be joined toone another and/or to other components of modified cruciform parachute200 via any suitable means, for example via stitching, taping, lacing,gluing, and/or the like.

In various exemplary embodiments, side panel 230 may be similarly sizedand/or identical to other panels in modified cruciform parachute 200,for example center panel 210. In this manner, manufacturing costs may bereduced, and assembly and/or repair of modified cruciform parachute 200may be simplified.

In an exemplary embodiment, modified cruciform parachute 200 comprisesfour side panels 230, with one disposed on each side of center panel210. In another exemplary embodiment, modified cruciform parachute 200comprises eight side panels 230, with two disposed on each side ofcenter panel 210 (for example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A). In yetanother exemplary embodiment, modified cruciform parachute 200 comprisestwelve side panels 230. Any suitable number and/or size of side panels230 may be utilized, for example in order to achieve a desiredconfiguration of modified cruciform parachute 200.

In various exemplary embodiments, modified cruciform parachute 200comprises a plurality of corner panels 240. Corner panel 240 isconfigured to allow modified cruciform parachute 200 to more closelyresemble a hemispherical parachute when deployed, improving aerodynamicefficiency. Additionally, corner panel 240 may be configured tofacilitate reefing of modified cruciform parachute 200.

In various exemplary embodiments, corner panel 240 comprises a suitablematerial, for example a textile and/or film, such as nylon, mylar,and/or the like. In modified cruciform parachute 200, corner panel 240may comprise a similar material to other panels; moreover, corner panel240 may comprise different materials than other panels, for example inorder to achieve a desired strength, flexibility, and/or the like.Corner panel 240 may be tapered, triangular, curvilinear, and/or thelike, as suitable, in order to achieve a desired inflated configurationof modified cruciform parachute 200. Corner panel 240 may be monolithic;alternatively, corner panel 240 may be comprised of sub-panels. Statedanother way, corner panel 240 may be comprised of multiple corner panels240. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, two triangular cornerpanels 240 may be disposed adjacent to one another and coupled togetherto form a larger, triangular-shaped corner panel 240. These combinedpanels may be considered to be a corner panel 240. When corner panels240 are utilized in modified cruciform parachute 200, venting may beprovided therein, therebetween, and/or between corner panels 240 andother components of modified cruciform parachute 200, for examplebetween a corner panel 240 and a side panel 230. Corner panels 240 maybe joined to one another and/or to other components of modifiedcruciform parachute 200 via any suitable means, for example viastitching, taping, lacing, gluing, and/or the like.

In an exemplary embodiment, modified cruciform parachute 200 comprisesfour corner panels 240, with one corner panel 240 disposed at each“corner” of the parachute canopy (i.e., approximately at 45, 135, 225,and 315 degrees). In another exemplary embodiment, modified cruciformparachute 200 comprises four corner panels 240, with one corner panel240 disposed at approximately 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees on theparachute canopy. In yet other exemplary embodiments, an exemplarymodified cruciform parachute (for example, modified cruciform parachute200) may comprise eight corner panels (for example, corner panels 240)spaced approximately equally about the canopy perimeter. Moreover,modified cruciform parachute 200 may comprise any suitable number ofcorner panels 240, and such corner panels 240 may be disposed at anycompass location around the canopy perimeter, in order to achieve adesired configuration of modified cruciform parachute 200.

In various exemplary embodiments, modified cruciform parachute 200comprises one or more shoulder panels 220. Shoulder panels 220 may beconfigured to equalize (or reduce inequality between) load lengths inmodified cruciform parachute 200. Shoulder panel 220 comprises asuitable material, for example a textile and/or film, such as nylon,mylar, and/or the like. In modified cruciform parachute 200, shoulderpanel 220 may comprise a similar material to other panels, for examplecenter panel 210; moreover, shoulder panel 220 may comprise differentmaterials than other panels, for example in order to achieve a desiredstrength, flexibility, and/or the like. Shoulder panel 220 may betriangular, tapered, and/or the like, as desired. Shoulder panel 220 maybe monolithic; alternatively, shoulder panel 220 may be comprised ofsub-panels. Stated another way, shoulder panel 220 may be comprised ofmultiple shoulder panels 220.

In various exemplary embodiments, modified cruciform parachute 200 isconfigured as a modular design. Stated another way, various elements ofmodified cruciform parachute 200 may be equivalent and/orinterchangeable (for example, center panel 210 and side panel 230),allowing modified cruciform parachute 200 to be created and/or repairedusing preformed panels.

In various exemplary embodiments, modified cruciform parachute 200 isconstructed via complete joining of the component panels along thecorresponding edges. In other exemplary embodiments, modified cruciformparachute 200 is constructed by joining the component panels only atdiscrete points. In yet other exemplary embodiments, modified cruciformparachute 200 is constructed via complete joining of certain panels, andpartial joining of certain other panels. In this manner, the geometricporosity of modified cruciform parachute 200 may be adjusted to theneeds of a particular application. For example, a fully joinedembodiment may be suitable for instances of low dynamic pressure, whilea discretely joined embodiment may be suitable for instances of highdynamic pressure.

With reference now to FIGS. 2B and 2C, in various exemplary embodiments,a parachute (for example, modified cruciform parachute 200) may beconfigured with panels in the canopy crown area (for example, centerpanels 210) that are joined at discrete coupling points (for example,coupling points 260). During and/or after inflation of the parachute,gaps 270 may exist between the panels, allowing air to flowtherethrough. While this airflow may be desirable (for example, toreduce dynamic pressure on a parachute canopy), it may also beundesirable (for example, because it leads to delays in inflation of theparachute canopy).

Turning now to FIGS. 2D through 2F, in various exemplary embodiments, aninsert 150 (for example, insert 250) may be coupled to center panels 210(for example, at coupling points 260) in order to partially and/or fullyblock airflow through one or more gaps 270. Insert 250 may be configuredto block airflow through a selected number of gaps 270 in order toreduce overall airflow through the canopy crown of the parachute,leading to faster parachute inflation. Insert 250 may be configured toblock airflow through a selected number of gaps 270 by being disposed onthe inside of the canopy (for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2D and2E); moreover, insert 250 may be configured to block airflow through aselected number of gaps 270 by being disposed on the outside of thecanopy (for example, as illustrated in FIG. 2F). Moreover, multipleinserts 250 may be utilized in connection with a single parachute, andsuch inserts may be disposed on the inside and/or outside of the canopy(or on both sides), as desired.

With reference now to FIGS. 3A through 3E, an insert 150 (for example,insert 350) may be sized, shaped, and/or otherwise configured to achieveat least partial airflow blockage, for example through a desired numberof gaps 270. Insert 350 may comprise a textile and/or film, such asnylon, mylar, and/or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, insert 350comprises a single layer of nylon fabric having a weight of about 1.2ounces per square yard, and is configured with nylon reinforcing webbinghaving a width of about ½″ at the periphery. Other suitable fabrics,weights, and reinforcing geometries may be utilized, as desired.

In various exemplary embodiments, insert 350 is sized and/or shaped tobe suitable for coupling to a parachute at least at some of the samediscrete points where other portions of the parachute canopy are coupledto one another (for example, points 260 as illustrated in FIGS. 2B-2F).Moreover, insert 350 may be sized as suitable for use in connection with(and/or as part of) a particular parachute. For example, when insert 350is utilized with a parachute having 4 square center panels 210 of sizeabout 279″×279″, and the center panels 210 are coupled together at theapex and at a series of points 260 spaced at about 31″ intervals, insert350 may be configured with a size of about 62″×62″, or a size of about91″×91″, or a size of about 124″×124″, and so forth. In this manner,insert 350 edges align closely with the position of points 260. However,insert 350 may be coupled to a parachute via any suitable means and/orat any suitable locations.

For example, insert 350 may be coupled to a parachute via stitching,cord, webbing, and/or the like. In certain exemplary embodiments, insert350 is configured to achieve a desired three-dimensional shape when acorresponding parachute is fully inflated; thus, the dimensions ofinsert 350 plus the dimensions of any coupling components may beconsidered when selecting an insert 350 for a particular parachute. Forexample, an insert 350 may be sized such that one or more locations oninsert 350 do not fully extend to (or, in contrast, extend beyond) acorresponding connection point 260 on a parachute, and a length of cordor webbing may be utilized to connect portions of insert 350 to suchcorresponding connection points 260.

Additionally, with momentary reference to FIG. 3F, insert 350 may befabricated with various structural reinforcements, for example a firstreinforcement 351 extending in a first direction, a second reinforcement353 extending in a second direction, and one or more peripheralreinforcements 355. In various exemplary embodiments, firstreinforcement 351 and second reinforcement 353 are configured to alignwith (and/or extend at least partially along) borders between panels ina parachute when insert 350 is coupled thereto. These reinforcements maycomprise separate reinforcement elements, for example cord or webbing.These reinforcements may also comprise multiple layers of fabric, seams,and/or stitching. Moreover, both separate reinforcement elements andmultiple layers/seams may be utilized. Yet further, it will beappreciated that, in connection with use with small parachutes, insert350 may be constructed without additional structural reinforcements.

In various exemplary embodiments, insert 350 is constructed from fabricsuch that the weave of the fabric aligns with the existing structuralmembers of the parachute canopy (for example, along the 4 cardinaldirections where center panels are joined together). This is desirableas insert 350, responsive to inflation forces, will tend to stretch lessthan the overlaying fabric (for example, center panels 210), and thuswill be exposed to more stress than the overlaying fabric. This featureallows a parachute to be designed to minimize the strength of theoverlaying fabric, and maximize the strength of insert 350. In thismanner, only a relatively small portion of the parachute canopy (i.e.,insert 350) may be constructed of relatively strong, heavy, and/orexpensive materials, while the bulk of the parachute canopy may beconstructed of relatively lightweight, weaker, and/or less expensivematerials.

In various exemplary embodiments, insert 350 is constructed of amaterial having a generally omni-directional resistance to elongation,for example a mylar film. In these exemplary embodiments, alignment ofthe material of insert 350 relative to other components of a parachutemay be of little concern.

Returning to FIG. 3A, in various exemplary embodiments, insert 350 isconfigured with a substantially square and/or diamond shape. In theseexemplary embodiments, insert 350 may be configured as a single layer offabric, or as multiple layers of fabric coupled together. Additionally,in this configuration, insert 350 may be configured with structuralreinforcements and/or integral attachment components (for example,loops, lanyards, etc.) as disclosed above.

With reference now to FIG. 3B, in some exemplary embodiments, insert 350is configured as a star-like shape. In these embodiments, insert 350 maybe formed from a single piece of fabric; alternatively, insert 350 maybe formed from multiple pieces of fabric, for example a square centersection 352 and four triangular arm sections 354. It will be appreciatedthat, while more complex in construction as compared to a square insert350, a star insert 350 may extend further from the center of the canopyof a parachute, thus at least partially blocking more gaps 270 and thusincreasing the speed of inflation of the parachute. Additionally, inthis configuration, insert 350 may be configured with structuralreinforcements and/or integral attachment components (for example,loops, lanyards, etc.) as disclosed above.

Turning to FIG. 3C, in various exemplary embodiments, insert 350 may beconfigured with a “concave square” or “fat X” shape. It will beappreciated that in these exemplary embodiments, insert 350 may utilizeless material than a similarly-sized square shape insert 350 (thusreducing overall parachute weight), but difficulty of construction isincreased due to the curved edges of insert 350. Additionally, in thisconfiguration, insert 350 may be configured with structuralreinforcements and/or integral attachment components (for example,loops, lanyards, etc.) as disclosed above.

With reference now to FIGS. 3D and 3E, in various exemplary embodiments,insert 350 may be configured with a “skinny X” or “cross” shape. Inthese exemplary embodiments, insert 350 may be formed from a first stripof material 350-A and a second strip of material 350-B. Strips 350-A and350-B may be composed of multiple strips or segments, for exampleparallel strips of material coupled to one another. Strip 350-A andstrip 350-B may be of identical lengths, widths, and/or thicknesses;alternatively, strip 350-A and strip 350-B may differ in length, width,thickness, material, etc. In various exemplary embodiments, strips 350-Aand 350-B may be configured with a width as thin as 1″. In theseexemplary embodiments, insert 350 is desirably coupled to acorresponding parachute at least partially via stitching along the sidesof strips 350-A and 350-B, for example via stitching having betweenabout 4 stitches per inch and about 12 stitches per inch; additionalcoupling components may also be utilized. Additionally, in thisconfiguration, insert 350 may be configured with structuralreinforcements and/or integral attachment components (for example,loops, lanyards, etc.) as disclosed above. Insert 350 may also comprisea third portion of material 350-C (for example, a square, a diamond, acircle, and/or the like) disposed at or near the area where 350-A and350-B intersect (i.e., the location on insert 350 that will correspondto the apex of a parachute canopy).

With continued reference to FIGS. 3A-3F, in various exemplaryembodiments, insert 350 is configured as a generally 2-dimensionalcomponent (i.e., ignoring the minimal thickness of the material forminginsert 350). In other words, insert 350 would generally lay flat whenplaced on a planar surface. In other exemplary embodiments, insert 350is configured as a generally 3-dimensional component (i.e., a componenthaving a third dimension in addition to the thickness of the materialforming insert 350). For example, when insert 350 is formed from asquare panel of nylon fabric, and a reinforcing hem (i.e., reinforcement355) is sewn around the square panel, the sewing machine applies tensionand stretches the somewhat elastic nylon thread included in the hem.Hysteresis causes the thread to return at least partially toward itsunstretched length, reducing the length of the periphery of the paneland generating a bulge or “belly” in insert 350; stated another way, inthis configuration insert 350 would not lay generally flat (i.e.,without wrinkles, folds, or bumps) when placed on a planar surface.

A three-dimensional feature for insert 350 may be particularly desirablewhen insert 350 is mounted on the exterior of a parachute canopy. Forexample, a three-dimensional insert 350 allows the parachute canopy tostretch somewhat before coming into contact with insert 350, thusallowing the parachute canopy to absorb some shock while still receivingsufficient reinforcement from insert 350 to prevent canopy rupture.Additionally, because three-dimensional insert 350 is more“parachute-like” in shape than a flat panel, three-dimensional insert350 can act as a pilot parachute that stabilizes the crown area of theparachute canopy to which it is attached.

Turning now to FIG. 4, in various exemplary embodiments, a modifiedcruciform parachute 400 is illustrated in an airstream, showing insert450 disposed on the interior of the parachute canopy substantially atthe apex of the canopy. In FIG. 4, for clarity of illustration, it willbe appreciated that only a subset of the suspension lines for modifiedcruciform parachute 400 are shown, and that in actuality modifiedcruciform parachute 400 and/or insert 450 are usable in connection withsuspension lines distributed along the entire parachute skirt.

With reference now to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, in various exemplaryembodiments, an insert 150, for example insert 550, may be configured asa set of individual, separated segments 556. Stated another way, insert550 may be considered to be made up of multiple segments 556 which arenot necessarily directly coupled to one another. Each segment 556 ofinsert 550 may be configured and located to at least partially block acorresponding gap in a parachute canopy. For example, each segment 556of insert 550 may extend from one discrete coupling point to an adjacentdiscrete coupling point.

Thus, insert 550 may be considered to be similar, for example, to insert350 as illustrated in FIG. 3D in terms of overall dimensions, whileutilizing less material and/or potentially blocking less airflow througha corresponding parachute canopy. Insert 550 (and individual segments556 thereof) may be coupled to a parachute canopy via any method and/orcomponents suitable for coupling other exemplary inserts 150 disclosedherein. Multiple coupling components may be utilized, and differentsegments 556 may be coupled using different methods and/or components,as desired. Additionally, segments 556 may vary in size and/or materialfrom one another.

With particular reference to FIG. 5A, in an exemplary embodiment, insert550 may be configured as a set of similarly sized segments 556. Segments556 are disposed between discrete coupling points on a correspondingparachute canopy to at least partially block gaps therebetween.

Turning to FIG. 5B, in some exemplary embodiments, insert 550 isconfigured as a set of segments 556, at least some of which differ insize from one another, but which are radially symmetric with respect tothe apex of a corresponding parachute. For example, insert 550 may beconfigured with a first group of segments 556 disposed closest to theapex of a parachute canopy and having a first size. Insert 550 may befurther configured with a second group of segments 556 disposed radiallyoutward from the first group of segments 556 and having a second sizedifferent than the first size. Insert 550 may also be configured with athird group of segments 556, a fourth group of segments 556, and soforth, as desired. The construction, coupling, and placement of segments556 forming insert 550 are configured to achieve one or more desiredcharacteristics of a corresponding parachute, for example structuralstrength, weight, geometric porosity, and/or the like.

With reference now to FIG. 5C, in certain exemplary embodiments, insert550 is configured as a set of segments 556, at least some of whichdiffer in size from one another, and at least some of which are notsymmetrical with respect to the apex of a corresponding parachute. Forexample, the number of segments 556 disposed between two particularmodules/gores of a parachute canopy may vary from the number of segments556 disposed between two other modules/gores of a parachute canopy.Moreover, the length, width, material, and/or reinforcement of aparticular segment 556 may differ from that of another segment 556. Theconstruction, coupling, and placement of segments 556 forming insert 550are configured to achieve one or more desired characteristics of acorresponding parachute, for example structural strength, weight,geometric porosity, and/or the like.

In various exemplary embodiments, an insert 150 is configured with anumber N of “arms” or extensions and/or connection points correspondingto the number of modules/gores in a parachute canopy. With reference nowto FIGS. 6A and 6B, in an exemplary embodiment, an insert 650 is coupledto three modular panels 610 forming the canopy of a parachute 600. Inthis exemplary embodiment, insert 650 may be triangular (as illustratedin FIG. 6A), i.e., corresponding to the three panels 610; alternatively,insert 650 may take the form of the three-point star (as illustrated inFIG. 6B), once again corresponding to the three panels 610. In thismanner, a portion of insert 650 is available for coupling at one or moreconnection points 660, similar to other inserts disclosed above.Additionally, a portion of insert 650 at least partially blocks one ormore gaps between connections points 660 and joining panels 610.

Similarly, in a parachute having 5 canopy panels, an insert 150 may beconfigured with 5 sides and/or arms, in a parachute having 6 canopypanels, an insert 150 may be configured with 6 sides and/or arms, and soforth. Moreover, in a parachute having 2 canopy panels, insert 150 maytake the form of a linear strip (i.e., at least partially extendingalong the border between the 2 canopy panels).

Turning now to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, in various exemplary embodiments,an insert 150 (for example, insert 750) may be configured to facilitatesimplified assembly and/or disassembly of parachute 700. Insert 750 mayjoin parachute 700 modules along a continuous distance, in addition to(or rather than) at discrete points. For example, a cruciform parachute700 may be configured with a number of center panels 710 (e.g., 4 centerpanels 710), and center panels 710 may be coupled to one another viainsert 750. In an exemplary embodiment, insert 750 comprises a firstpair of linear tape/ribbon/webbing elements 756 disposed in a firstdirection (for example, along a line defined by a boundary betweencenter panels 710), and a second pair of linear tape/ribbon/webbingelements 756 disposed in a second direction (for example, along a linedefined by a different boundary between center panels 710 and hencecrosswise of the first pair of elements 756).

Aspects of insert 750 are desirably utilized when a center panel 710 ofparachute 700 is to be removed for repair or replacement. The lineartape/ribbon/webbing elements 756 comprising insert 750 may be separatedfrom one another, while remaining coupled to a corresponding centerpanel 710. Elements 756 are robust and thus can withstand repeateddisassembly and reassembly without being damaged to the point of needingrepair. In contrast, if the disassembly and reassembly involved a centerpanel 710 (which is comprised of a material less robust than elements756), the center panel 710 may be damaged to the point of needing repairsimply because it was being disassembled to facilitate another neededrepair, either of that center panel 710 or another center panel 710 inparachute 700. For example, center panel 710 may comprise a fabrichaving a weight of between about 1 ounce to about 2 ounces per squareyard, while elements 756 may comprise tape, ribbon, webbing and/or thelike having a weight of between about 3 ounces and about 20 ounces persquare yard; therefore, elements 756 are much stronger than centerpanels 710 and disassembly nicks, fraying, and the like to elements 756are largely inconsequential. Elements 756 may be repeatedly coupled toone another, and uncoupled from one another, as needed, for example viahand stitching, machine stitching, staples, and/or the like, in order tofacilitate assembly, disassembly, and/or repair of parachute 700.

While the principles of this disclosure have been shown in variousembodiments, many modifications of structure, arrangements, proportions,the elements, materials and components, used in practice, which areparticularly adapted for a specific environment and operatingrequirements may be used without departing from the principles and scopeof this disclosure. These and other changes or modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure andmay be expressed in the following claims.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to various embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the present invention as set forthin the claims below. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded inan illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent invention. Likewise, benefits, other advantages, and solutionsto problems have been described above with regard to variousembodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, andany element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution tooccur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical,required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any othervariation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, suchthat a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list ofelements does not include only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Also, as used herein, the terms “coupled,”“coupling,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover aphysical connection, an electrical connection, a magnetic connection, anoptical connection, a communicative connection, a functional connection,and/or any other connection. When language similar to “at least one ofA, B, or C” or “at least one of A, B, and C” is used in the claims, thephrase is intended to mean any of the following: (1) at least one of A;(2) at least one of B; (3) at least one of C; (4) at least one of A andat least one of B; (5) at least one of B and at least one of C; (6) atleast one of A and at least one of C; or (7) at least one of A, at leastone of B, and at least one of C. The word “exemplary” is used herein tomean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodimentdescribed as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferredor advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude theincorporation of features from other embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A parachute, comprising: a first gore; a secondgore coupled to the first gore at a set of discrete points, whereinadjacent points in the set of discrete points have a gap permittingairflow therebetween; and an insert coupled to the first gore and thesecond gore at a plurality of points in the set of discrete points,wherein, when the parachute is inflated, the insert at least partiallyblocks airflow through a plurality of the gaps.
 2. The parachute ofclaim 1, wherein the insert is disposed on the interior of the canopy ofthe parachute at the parachute apex.
 3. The parachute of claim 1,wherein the insert is disposed on the exterior of the canopy of theparachute at the parachute apex.
 4. The parachute of claim 1, whereinthe insert is 2-dimensional.
 5. The parachute of claim 1, wherein theinsert is 3-dimensional.
 6. The parachute of claim 1, wherein the insertis at least one of square or diamond in shape.
 7. The parachute of claim1, wherein the insert is star-like in shape.
 8. The parachute of claim1, wherein the insert is coupled to the plurality of points via at leastone of cord or webbing.
 9. The parachute of claim 1, wherein the firstgore and the second gore comprise a first material, and wherein theinsert comprises a second material stronger than the first material. 10.A method for aerial delivery of a payload, the method comprising:separating the payload from an aircraft; and deploying a parachute toslow the descent of the payload through the air, wherein the parachutecomprises: a first gore; a second gore coupled to the first gore at aset of discrete points, wherein adjacent points in the set of discretepoints have a gap permitting airflow therebetween; and an insert coupledto the first gore and the second gore at a plurality of points in theset of discrete points, wherein, when the parachute is inflated, theinsert at least partially blocks airflow through a plurality of thegaps.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the insert is disposed on theinterior of the canopy of the parachute.
 12. The method of claim 10,wherein the insert is disposed on the exterior of the canopy of theparachute.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the insert, duringinflation of the parachute, acts as a pilot parachute to stabilize thecanopy of the parachute.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the firstgore and the second gore comprise a first material, and wherein theinsert comprises a second material stronger than the first material. 15.The method of claim 10, wherein the insert is disposed at the apex ofthe parachute.
 16. A parachute, comprising: a parachute canopycomprising a first canopy portion and second canopy portion, the firstcanopy portion and the second canopy portion coupled to one another at aset of discrete points, wherein adjacent points in the set of discretepoints have a gap permitting airflow therebetween; and an insert coupledto the parachute canopy, the insert comprising: a rectangular centerportion; and four triangular side portions, each triangular side portioncoupled to a side of the rectangular center portion via stitching,wherein the rectangular center portion is disposed at the apex of thecruciform parachute, and wherein each of the triangular side portionsare coupled to the parachute canopy at a plurality of points in the setof discrete points.